So a simple question, is the post of poet laureate still relavent?

Personally, I do like the idea of celebrating events in verse, but I doubt it's popular or even really necessary. As for promoting poetry, are people really still that interested in poetry? I don't mean other poets and writers, I mean the people out there who go and buy books...you know the public. Are they really interested in reading poetry? What about those who go to live events, there are so many of them, so do they really need the support of a laureate?

Okay, I'm playing devil's advocate here but, it does seem that whilst there are things that can be gained from the post, it's not something I've seen people take a great amount of interest in.

I heard an interview on the radio with CAD and she stated that she pleased to learn that there was no insistance that she wrote for any occassion whatsoever. The post of PL is just a badge... bit like Blue Peter.

Purple Ronnie, 'I could have been a contender!'

http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/books/article6210758.ece

Tradition is not a bad thing if not carried to extremes.

I heard an East Indian lady comment recently (Focus On India), basically, that in our 'homes' of modern times traditions need to be considered as having been moved up into 'the attic', never discarded. Then, as desired, they can be searched out, dusted off and re-appreciated. Thus, you live in the confidence that, while not in daily usage, these traditions are always available for re-thinking and maybe even re-establishment..

This is paraphrase as I remember it, but the metaphor is accurate. I was very impressed. I couldn't possibly use it as a poem because it wasn't my idea, but I wish I could.

No it isn't relevant - and yes it is.

I mean, the BBC are currently doing a poetry series on the back of the new appointment, so that can't be all bad.

But I doubt it impacts on most poets' lives, unless the poet laureate chooses to find ways of increasing the profile of poets through their post.

The bit about writing poems for the monarchy - well, I've always been a fan of the French & Russian attitude to the monarchy myself (and the 17th century English...)

Maybe we could start a Republican Laureateship...